Bluebirds go top of the tree

ILFRACOMBE Town Thirds went to the top of the Intermediate One table with a 2-0 win at home to Barnstaple AAC Reserves.

Mark Lancey and Ryan Welch did the damage in front of goal.

At the other end of the table there was a first win of the season for Sporting Barum, who put four past fellow strugglers Torrington Reserves.

With only a bare 11 due to injuries and absentees, Sporting failed to take advantage of a host of first-half chances until Rich Eaton opened the scoring before the break.

Shortly after the restart Torrington levelled the scores and it seemed like a familiar pattern was emerging. However, 10 minutes later Simon Storey put the hosts back in the driving seat with a tidy finish.

Jack Cornell’s energetic man-of-the-match performance in centre midfield, alongside equally impressive newcomer Neil Ridd, controlled the game for Sporting and some good football was followed by a 30-yard top corner belter by Kyle Spear. Finally, Richard Nott outpaced the Torrie defence to wrap up the points.

Third-placed Torridgeside Reserves were held to a 1-1 draw at Hartland, Alex Slee the scorer for the hosts.

Jon Butler scored a hat-trick for High Bickington who made light work of Equalizers with a 5-1 home win.

Chris Hutchings and James Manning were also on target for High Bick as the hosts went on to extend a 3-0 half-time advantage.

In the Buddens Westinsure Devon Intermediate Cup, Northside Atlantic stormed into the next round with a 9-1 win at Folly Gate and Inwardleigh.

Damo Shaddick scored for goals, Oli Robinson bagged two and there were also goals by Neil and Carl Armstrong and Mark Palmer.

On Sunday Northside beat Northam Lions 6-2 in the first round of the Hansen Cup at Northam.

Vinny Bott scored a hat-trick and there were also goals for Damo Shaddick, Tom Gleeson and Carl Armstrong.

Anchor Chiefs finally got their chance to play their county cup second round tie against Bradworthy Reserves.

It was worth the wait – the Chiefs won 6-1 courtesy of goals by Marcus Jarvis (2), Joe Barker, Jesse Curtis, Matt Cloak and a Martin Ashton penalty. The win sets up an all-Bideford tie at Northside Atlantic on November 3.

Landkey were knocked out in a 3-2 defeat against Halwill Reserves.

Andrew Parkhouse hauled Landkey back into the match with a header and a 89th minute ‘rocket’ but hopes of a win were dashed as Halwill launched a long ball from the kick-off and hit a sucker punch at the death.

Landkey are still appealing for a goalkeeper. Anyone interested should call Mike Rippon on 01271 830758.